The tramway system which developed was a radial one, centred on Perth city, and with its major purpose to transport people from their homes in the suburbs to their work in the city. The same trams would be used for shopping trips to Perths favourite stores such as Bon Marche, Foy & Gibsons, Walshes, Aherns and Boans. As the system developed, leisure activities began to be an important secondary focus, and no doubt a good revenue source for the tramways. Water activities were popular: two public swimming baths on the Swan River were served by the line around Mounts Bay Road - Crawley (City) Baths and Nedlands Baths. Indeed, so popular was the Nedlands Baths area that it was for a time served by two tram lines, the other being through Subiaco. Cricket headquarters was at the WACA ground, adjacent to the Carbarn in East Perth. Football was also played at this ground. Football headquarters at Subiaco Oval was served by the Hay St route, Loton Park (Perth Oval) was adjacent to the route along Lord St, and also close to Beaufort St, while Leederville Oval was close to the route along Oxford St. A popular destination sign in later years was TROTS, referring to the harness racing at what is now called Gloucester Park, also very close to the Carbarn. The tramways grew after the government took ownership and expansion was difficult as the tramways competed with the Western Australian Government Railways. Lines to the following occurred allowing transport to factories in Welshpool operating to supply the war effort, direct access to the jetty at Como Beach and an alternative to the ferry to the Perth Zoo. •Victoria Park (via The Causeway and Albany Hwy •South Perth Zoo (via Causeway and Angelo St) •Como (from Mends St Jetty, via Labouchere Rd •Victoria Park line extended by 1.6 kilometres to serve the munitions factory at Welshpool The Perth Zoo could be reached by the South Perth tram across the Causeway, although another popular route was by tram to Barrack Square and then ferry to South Perth. Tramlines began to close as petrol rationing after the war ceased, a feeling trams were old fashioned and the car became more affordable to all. •Causeway lines closed - Welshpool, Victoria Park, South Perth, Como [1950] We all remember the old tram at Perth Zoo which now resides at WHiteman Park. Take A Tram Ride every day of the week over the holidays - The trams operate a 4 kilometre return trip, linking Whiteman Village [Cafe, Pottery, Print Shop, Handcrafts, Car Museum, Tractor Museum], the Mussel Pool picnic area, and the Village Junction railway station.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 02:37:43 +0000
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